Chapter 5: Calculated Risks

The weight of 1,450,000 KRW in my pocket was both comforting and daunting. I had transformed a mere 60,000 KRW into a small fortune overnight by betting on the Pohang Steelers' victory and their first-minute goal against Gwangju Sangmu Phoenix. However, I knew that repeating such precise bets could arouse unwanted attention. Discretion was paramount.

Strategizing the Next Move

I decided to set aside 450,000 KRW for immediate living expenses, ensuring I had a safety net. This left me with 1,000,000 KRW to invest further. Aware of the potential risks of frequent betting at the same venue, I sought out a different betting establishment to maintain anonymity.

Recalling the 2007 K League season, I pinpointed an upcoming match with a favorable outcome:

May 26, 2007: Pohang Steelers vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings at Pohang Steel Yard.

This match ended in a 0-0 draw, a result that often offers attractive odds due to its unpredictability. Betting on a draw, especially a goalless one, could yield substantial returns.

Placing the Bet

I located a modest betting shop in a different district of Seoul. The atmosphere was familiar: the hum of quiet conversations, the scent of stale smoke, and the soft glow of television screens displaying various sports events.

Approaching the counter, I greeted the clerk with a polite nod. "I'd like to place a bet on the Pohang Steelers vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings match on May 26."

The clerk, a middle-aged man with graying hair, adjusted his glasses and consulted his records. "Betting on a draw offers 3.5 to 1 odds," he informed me.

I considered the potential return. "And for a 0-0 result specifically?"

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the specificity. "That's at 7 to 1."

Deciding to balance risk and reward, I placed 500,000 KRW on a draw and 200,000 KRW on a 0-0 result, keeping 300,000 KRW in reserve. The clerk processed the bets without further comment, and I left the shop with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

The Waiting Period

The week leading up to the match was a test of patience. I maintained a low profile, avoiding unnecessary expenditures and interactions. The memory of my previous success was a double-edged sword; while it provided confidence, it also reminded me of the fine line I was treading.

Match Day: May 26, 2007

I chose a small, inconspicuous café to watch the game. The patrons were engrossed in their conversations, paying little attention to the lone figure in the corner nursing a cup of coffee.

As the match commenced, both teams displayed formidable defense. Chances were scarce, and as the minutes ticked by, the possibility of a goalless draw became increasingly plausible.

When the final whistle blew, confirming the 0-0 result, I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. The café remained largely indifferent, but within me, a storm of emotions raged—relief, excitement, and a burgeoning sense of empowerment.

Collecting the Winnings

The following day, I returned to the betting shop. The same clerk recognized me and offered a subtle nod as I presented my ticket.

"Congratulations," he said, counting out the bills. "For the draw, you receive 1,750,000 KRW, and for the exact score, 1,400,000 KRW. That's a total of 3,150,000 KRW."

I accepted the money with a grateful smile, my mind already racing with possibilities. This second successful bet had significantly bolstered my funds, providing a more substantial foundation for future investments.

Reflection and Future Plans

Walking through the bustling streets of Seoul, I pondered my next steps. While sports betting had proven lucrative, it was fraught with risks, both legal and personal.

First and foremost, I had to be discreet.

Winning too many bets in a short period would make people suspicious. Bookmakers might refuse my bets, or worse, I might attract the attention of organized crime syndicates who controlled illegal gambling operations. I couldn't afford to become a target.

To avoid this, I had to spread out my bets across different venues, keep my winnings under a reasonable limit, and even lose a few bets on purpose to blend in.

However, betting was not a long-term solution. It was a means to an end—a way to build my first real capital before moving on to bigger, safer investments.

I needed more capital.

If I wanted to capitalize on the 2008 financial crisis, I needed at least 50-100 million KRW to invest in stocks and real estate before the crash.